The Effect of the Combined Use of Immunotherapy and Topical Steroid on the Quality of Life in Allergic Rhinitis Patients.
- Author:
Seok Chan HONG
1
;
Yong Soo JEONG
;
Jin Kook KIM
;
Jae Hoon CHO
;
Hong Ju PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. 20050692@kuh.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Allergic rhinitis;
Immunotherapy;
Topical steroid
- MeSH:
Humans;
Immunotherapy;
Quality of Life;
Rhinitis;
Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial;
Skin Tests;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Journal of Rhinology
2010;17(1):24-28
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The management of allergic rhinitis includes allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy. Only a few studies have compared the clinical efficacy of the two treatments. We conducted a study to compare the efficacy of immunotherapy (IT), a topical steroid (TS), and combined therapy (IT+TS) in allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The three groups (IT:11 patients, TS:ten patients, IT+TS:ten patients) were treated for six months and were evaluated using questionnaires and a physical exam before and after treatment. RESULT: Overall symptoms were reduced after six months of treatment in all groups. In the IT+TS group, signs and symptoms diminished more than those in the IT or TS groups. Difference in skin test sensitivity among the groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Combined use of immunotherapy and a topical steroid was more effective than either therapy alone in reducing the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
